I was thinking the other day that there are probably plenty of ordinary items in our homes that we take for granted, which actually can serve double duty.  So I decided to add a column to the site called, “5 Unexpected Things You Can Do With…”  The first item to get the rundown is Honey.  It’s a splendid thing, honey.  Maybe I’m a little partial since my name, Melissa, actually means “honey” or “honeybee.”  Yet, the golden nectar is actually more than a pantry staple, it can work its magic in numerous ways.

1.  Facial Moisturizer/Mask –

This one is by far my favorite honey secret, that I learned from reading tips from Mireille Guilliano’s website.  It’s one of her family secrets to use honey directly on your face, applied as a mask.  I have been using a locally grown organic honey on my face every other week, and I can certainly see a big difference.  I simply tap the honey in to my skin, and let it sit for about ten minutes.  I then apply a warm, wet towel …

Sometimes inexpensive accessories can really look their part.  However, if you’re lucky you’ll find some that will make you swoon no matter the price point, thus bringing a smile to your face when you find out you can actually afford them! I totally believe in the concept of great accessories that happen to cost less, yet still maintain a luxe look.  Here are some of fall’s coolest accessories, which happen to be under $100 -

1-  Oversized Two Tone Sunglasses from Masons for $20

2-  Bedecked Brooch Necklace from Anthropologie for $48

3-  Calling for Rain Bag from Anthropologie for $88

I love a good sequin!  This bag is just amazing…

4-  Paperblanks Calendar/Planner from Paper-Source for $14.95

Who says day calendars have to be boring?  I’m going to ditch my cell phone’s calendar and use this instead…  Trés Chic!

5-  Parisienne Exotic Platforms from Christian Siriano for Payless for $39.99

6-  Dalia Earrings from Banana Republic for $17.99

7-  Rachel Zoe Slouchy Bag from QVC for $38.68 (On Sale!)

8-  Face Palette from Bobbi Brown for $45

One of my favorite hours of the entire week is the hour I spend every Saturday morning at the public library.  An avid reader who’s watching her purse strings, I love the library.  This weekend, I checked out a great book by The Wine Bible author Karen MacNeil called Wine, Food & Friends.  This book is a perfect match for frugal, health-conscious foodies.  It contains Karen’s wine recommendations for some of Cooking Light magazine’s most wine-friendly, seasonally-inspired recipes.  The best part — Karen includes a price guide and many of her wine recommendations fall under the “great deal” category, meaning you can expect to pay $7-$15 a bottle!

I’m planning on trying several of her budget-minded recommendations (and maybe even a couple of her suggested ‘splurge bottles’).  But, in anticipation of fall and my recently renewed pledge to austerity, the first on my list is a Beaujolais —Georges Duboeuf Fleurie “Domaine des Quatre Vents”, which costs around $15 a bottle.  In the autumn section of the book, Karen pairs this “lip-smacking” red with one of my husband’s most requested comfort food combos—meat loaf and mashed potatoes. …

To me fall is the perfect time to have a wedding.  That may be because I got married in November?  (Not that I’m partial to the season or anything!)  It’s a time of wonderfully crisp cool days, with nature playing a symphony in the background. What better decoration can a bride ask for than changing leaves in exciting colors? I also love the rich jewel tones and the bright orange of pumpkins that come with the season.  Here’s a great collection of items for a fall wedding, all on a budget of course, and all equally  appealing.  Adding in a bit of rustic touches keeps the look comfortable and fits right in with the season of hay rides, apple picking and cozy sweaters:

1-  Burnt Orange Rose Earrings from Muchloveilly for $10

2-  Boutonniere in Purple Feathers from Pomp and Plumage for $14

3-  I Carry Your Heart Heart Ring Bowl from Paloma’s Nest for $52

This is a wonderful keepsake for the bride and groom, and will hold their rings after the wedding.

4-  Pleated …